❓ A parliamentary question regarding the cessation of children’s crosswalk services at Great Eastern Highway and Kidman Avenue, South Guildford, and the Minister's response, which includes reinstating the crosswalk attendant temporarily and considering enhancements to the infrastructure.
AnsweredQoN 408Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
CHILDREN’S CROSSWALK SERVICE — GREAT EASTERN HIGHWAY AND KIDMAN AVENUE, SOUTH GUILDFORD
On behalf of Hon Ken Travers, who is absent on urgent parliamentary business, I refer to the minister’s answer to parliamentary question without notice 342 of 2009 regarding the cessation of children’s services at the corner of Great Eastern Highway and Kidman Avenue. (1) Has the minister visited the site? (2) If so, will the minister advise the house of the outcome of the site visit? (3) What is the cost and feasibility of constructing a footpath on the eastern side of the Great Eastern Highway bridge over the Helena River? (4) Will the minister commit to building a footpath on the eastern side of the Great Eastern Highway bridge over the Helena River? (5) Will the minister commit to retaining the children’s crosswalk infrastructure at this intersection? (6) If no to (5), why not? Hon SIMON O’BRIEN
On behalf of Hon Ken Travers, who is absent on urgent parliamentary business, I refer to the minister’s answer to parliamentary question without notice 342 of 2009 regarding the cessation of children’s services at the corner of Great Eastern Highway and Kidman Avenue. (1) Has the minister visited the site? (2) If so, will the minister advise the house of the outcome of the site visit? (3) What is the cost and feasibility of constructing a footpath on the eastern side of the Great Eastern Highway bridge over the Helena River? (4) Will the minister commit to building a footpath on the eastern side of the Great Eastern Highway bridge over the Helena River? (5) Will the minister commit to retaining the children’s crosswalk infrastructure at this intersection? (6) If no to (5), why not? Hon SIMON O’BRIEN
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1)-(2) This relates to a question Hon Ken Travers asked some little while ago. As part of my answer at the time, I undertook to say that, if he wished, I could meet him on site to look at this issue because I was aware of correspondence about it. Indeed, I have visited the site. Hon Ken Travers never contacted me but I found myself passing through and went to look at the site. Knowing that Hon Donna Faragher was nearby in her office in Guildford, and that she had an interest in this matter, at very short notice I managed to get her to join me for a visit. We inspected the site, as one needs to with these situations, to work out exactly what was happening. The upshot of it all is that I have spoken also to the Minister for Police and Emergency Services because I think the best way to resolve this question in the short term is to bring back the crosswalk attendant. I was pleased to discover that that is precisely what has happened. The crosswalk attendant has been restored certainly until the end of this semester. That gives us some time to take stock. (3)-(4) I do not believe that the answer to this is to construct a footpath on the eastern side of the Great Eastern Highway bridge over the Helena River. I think that is the wrong solution. The fact is that people must cross Great Eastern Highway. I understand that this year about 20 schoolchildren must cross that busy road at some point, whether it be south or north of that bridge, so I do not see the point of building another very expensive footpath. I will, therefore, not commit to building a footpath on the eastern side of the highway bridge. I am concerned to work through the problem. Firstly, Hon Donna Faragher, one of the local members, is of the view, which I share, that a crosswalk attendant is the best way to deal with the issue rather than spend a six or seven figure sum for infrastructure that is not primarily needed. That is not a decision for me to make, but that is my view. (5) Hon Donna Faragher and I are of the view that the children’s crosswalk infrastructure at that intersection needs to be enhanced a bit. That is potentially within my responsibility, and I will have Main Roads look at that because it is a potentially dangerous site. I understand that an attendant was struck by a car there at some stage. For the most part, in my view, the question relates to the operation of the Children’s Crossing and Road Safety Committee and should therefore be referred to the Minister for Police and Emergency Services. That is the reason for the extraordinary brevity of my answer!
(1) Has the minister visited the site? (2) If so, will the minister advise the house of the outcome of the site visit? (3) What is the cost and feasibility of constructing a footpath on the eastern side of the Great Eastern Highway bridge over the Helena River? (4) Will the minister commit to building a footpath on the eastern side of the Great Eastern Highway bridge over the Helena River? (5) Will the minister commit to retaining the children’s crosswalk infrastructure at this intersection? (6) If no to (5), why not? Hon SIMON O’BRIEN replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1)-(2) This relates to a question Hon Ken Travers asked some little while ago. As part of my answer at the time, I undertook to say that, if he wished, I could meet him on site to look at this issue because I was aware of correspondence about it. Indeed, I have visited the site. Hon Ken Travers never contacted me but I found myself passing through and went to look at the site. Knowing that Hon Donna Faragher was nearby in her office in Guildford, and that she had an interest in this matter, at very short notice I managed to get her to join me for a visit. We inspected the site, as one needs to with these situations, to work out exactly what was happening. The upshot of it all is that I have spoken also to the Minister for Police and Emergency Services because I think the best way to resolve this question in the short term is to bring back the crosswalk attendant. I was pleased to discover that that is precisely what has happened. The crosswalk attendant has been restored certainly until the end of this semester. That gives us some time to take stock. (3)-(4) I do not believe that the answer to this is to construct a footpath on the eastern side of the Great Eastern Highway bridge over the Helena River. I think that is the wrong solution. The fact is that people must cross Great Eastern Highway. I understand that this year about 20 schoolchildren must cross that busy road at some point, whether it be south or north of that bridge, so I do not see the point of building another very expensive footpath. I will, therefore, not commit to building a footpath on the eastern side of the highway bridge. I am concerned to work through the problem. Firstly, Hon Donna Faragher, one of the local members, is of the view, which I share, that a crosswalk attendant is the best way to deal with the issue rather than spend a six or seven figure sum for infrastructure that is not primarily needed. That is not a decision for me to make, but that is my view. (5) Hon Donna Faragher and I are of the view that the children’s crosswalk infrastructure at that intersection needs to be enhanced a bit. That is potentially within my responsibility, and I will have Main Roads look at that because it is a potentially dangerous site. I understand that an attendant was struck by a car there at some stage. For the most part, in my view, the question relates to the operation of the Children’s Crossing and Road Safety Committee and should therefore be referred to the Minister for Police and Emergency Services. That is the reason for the extraordinary brevity of my answer!
(2) If so, will the minister advise the house of the outcome of the site visit? (3) What is the cost and feasibility of constructing a footpath on the eastern side of the Great Eastern Highway bridge over the Helena River? (4) Will the minister commit to building a footpath on the eastern side of the Great Eastern Highway bridge over the Helena River? (5) Will the minister commit to retaining the children’s crosswalk infrastructure at this intersection? (6) If no to (5), why not? Hon SIMON O’BRIEN replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1)-(2) This relates to a question Hon Ken Travers asked some little while ago. As part of my answer at the time, I undertook to say that, if he wished, I could meet him on site to look at this issue because I was aware of correspondence about it. Indeed, I have visited the site. Hon Ken Travers never contacted me but I found myself passing through and went to look at the site. Knowing that Hon Donna Faragher was nearby in her office in Guildford, and that she had an interest in this matter, at very short notice I managed to get her to join me for a visit. We inspected the site, as one needs to with these situations, to work out exactly what was happening. The upshot of it all is that I have spoken also to the Minister for Police and Emergency Services because I think the best way to resolve this question in the short term is to bring back the crosswalk attendant. I was pleased to discover that that is precisely what has happened. The crosswalk attendant has been restored certainly until the end of this semester. That gives us some time to take stock. (3)-(4) I do not believe that the answer to this is to construct a footpath on the eastern side of the Great Eastern Highway bridge over the Helena River. I think that is the wrong solution. The fact is that people must cross Great Eastern Highway. I understand that this year about 20 schoolchildren must cross that busy road at some point, whether it be south or north of that bridge, so I do not see the point of building another very expensive footpath. I will, therefore, not commit to building a footpath on the eastern side of the highway bridge. I am concerned to work through the problem. Firstly, Hon Donna Faragher, one of the local members, is of the view, which I share, that a crosswalk attendant is the best way to deal with the issue rather than spend a six or seven figure sum for infrastructure that is not primarily needed. That is not a decision for me to make, but that is my view. (5) Hon Donna Faragher and I are of the view that the children’s crosswalk infrastructure at that intersection needs to be enhanced a bit. That is potentially within my responsibility, and I will have Main Roads look at that because it is a potentially dangerous site. I understand that an attendant was struck by a car there at some stage. For the most part, in my view, the question relates to the operation of the Children’s Crossing and Road Safety Committee and should therefore be referred to the Minister for Police and Emergency Services. That is the reason for the extraordinary brevity of my answer!
(3) What is the cost and feasibility of constructing a footpath on the eastern side of the Great Eastern Highway bridge over the Helena River? (4) Will the minister commit to building a footpath on the eastern side of the Great Eastern Highway bridge over the Helena River? (5) Will the minister commit to retaining the children’s crosswalk infrastructure at this intersection? (6) If no to (5), why not? Hon SIMON O’BRIEN replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1)-(2) This relates to a question Hon Ken Travers asked some little while ago. As part of my answer at the time, I undertook to say that, if he wished, I could meet him on site to look at this issue because I was aware of correspondence about it. Indeed, I have visited the site. Hon Ken Travers never contacted me but I found myself passing through and went to look at the site. Knowing that Hon Donna Faragher was nearby in her office in Guildford, and that she had an interest in this matter, at very short notice I managed to get her to join me for a visit. We inspected the site, as one needs to with these situations, to work out exactly what was happening. The upshot of it all is that I have spoken also to the Minister for Police and Emergency Services because I think the best way to resolve this question in the short term is to bring back the crosswalk attendant. I was pleased to discover that that is precisely what has happened. The crosswalk attendant has been restored certainly until the end of this semester. That gives us some time to take stock. (3)-(4) I do not believe that the answer to this is to construct a footpath on the eastern side of the Great Eastern Highway bridge over the Helena River. I think that is the wrong solution. The fact is that people must cross Great Eastern Highway. I understand that this year about 20 schoolchildren must cross that busy road at some point, whether it be south or north of that bridge, so I do not see the point of building another very expensive footpath. I will, therefore, not commit to building a footpath on the eastern side of the highway bridge. I am concerned to work through the problem. Firstly, Hon Donna Faragher, one of the local members, is of the view, which I share, that a crosswalk attendant is the best way to deal with the issue rather than spend a six or seven figure sum for infrastructure that is not primarily needed. That is not a decision for me to make, but that is my view. (5) Hon Donna Faragher and I are of the view that the children’s crosswalk infrastructure at that intersection needs to be enhanced a bit. That is potentially within my responsibility, and I will have Main Roads look at that because it is a potentially dangerous site. I understand that an attendant was struck by a car there at some stage. For the most part, in my view, the question relates to the operation of the Children’s Crossing and Road Safety Committee and should therefore be referred to the Minister for Police and Emergency Services. That is the reason for the extraordinary brevity of my answer!
(4) Will the minister commit to building a footpath on the eastern side of the Great Eastern Highway bridge over the Helena River? (5) Will the minister commit to retaining the children’s crosswalk infrastructure at this intersection? (6) If no to (5), why not? Hon SIMON O’BRIEN replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1)-(2) This relates to a question Hon Ken Travers asked some little while ago. As part of my answer at the time, I undertook to say that, if he wished, I could meet him on site to look at this issue because I was aware of correspondence about it. Indeed, I have visited the site. Hon Ken Travers never contacted me but I found myself passing through and went to look at the site. Knowing that Hon Donna Faragher was nearby in her office in Guildford, and that she had an interest in this matter, at very short notice I managed to get her to join me for a visit. We inspected the site, as one needs to with these situations, to work out exactly what was happening. The upshot of it all is that I have spoken also to the Minister for Police and Emergency Services because I think the best way to resolve this question in the short term is to bring back the crosswalk attendant. I was pleased to discover that that is precisely what has happened. The crosswalk attendant has been restored certainly until the end of this semester. That gives us some time to take stock. (3)-(4) I do not believe that the answer to this is to construct a footpath on the eastern side of the Great Eastern Highway bridge over the Helena River. I think that is the wrong solution. The fact is that people must cross Great Eastern Highway. I understand that this year about 20 schoolchildren must cross that busy road at some point, whether it be south or north of that bridge, so I do not see the point of building another very expensive footpath. I will, therefore, not commit to building a footpath on the eastern side of the highway bridge. I am concerned to work through the problem. Firstly, Hon Donna Faragher, one of the local members, is of the view, which I share, that a crosswalk attendant is the best way to deal with the issue rather than spend a six or seven figure sum for infrastructure that is not primarily needed. That is not a decision for me to make, but that is my view. (5) Hon Donna Faragher and I are of the view that the children’s crosswalk infrastructure at that intersection needs to be enhanced a bit. That is potentially within my responsibility, and I will have Main Roads look at that because it is a potentially dangerous site. I understand that an attendant was struck by a car there at some stage. For the most part, in my view, the question relates to the operation of the Children’s Crossing and Road Safety Committee and should therefore be referred to the Minister for Police and Emergency Services. That is the reason for the extraordinary brevity of my answer!
(5) Will the minister commit to retaining the children’s crosswalk infrastructure at this intersection? (6) If no to (5), why not? Hon SIMON O’BRIEN replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1)-(2) This relates to a question Hon Ken Travers asked some little while ago. As part of my answer at the time, I undertook to say that, if he wished, I could meet him on site to look at this issue because I was aware of correspondence about it. Indeed, I have visited the site. Hon Ken Travers never contacted me but I found myself passing through and went to look at the site. Knowing that Hon Donna Faragher was nearby in her office in Guildford, and that she had an interest in this matter, at very short notice I managed to get her to join me for a visit. We inspected the site, as one needs to with these situations, to work out exactly what was happening. The upshot of it all is that I have spoken also to the Minister for Police and Emergency Services because I think the best way to resolve this question in the short term is to bring back the crosswalk attendant. I was pleased to discover that that is precisely what has happened. The crosswalk attendant has been restored certainly until the end of this semester. That gives us some time to take stock. (3)-(4) I do not believe that the answer to this is to construct a footpath on the eastern side of the Great Eastern Highway bridge over the Helena River. I think that is the wrong solution. The fact is that people must cross Great Eastern Highway. I understand that this year about 20 schoolchildren must cross that busy road at some point, whether it be south or north of that bridge, so I do not see the point of building another very expensive footpath. I will, therefore, not commit to building a footpath on the eastern side of the highway bridge. I am concerned to work through the problem. Firstly, Hon Donna Faragher, one of the local members, is of the view, which I share, that a crosswalk attendant is the best way to deal with the issue rather than spend a six or seven figure sum for infrastructure that is not primarily needed. That is not a decision for me to make, but that is my view. (5) Hon Donna Faragher and I are of the view that the children’s crosswalk infrastructure at that intersection needs to be enhanced a bit. That is potentially within my responsibility, and I will have Main Roads look at that because it is a potentially dangerous site. I understand that an attendant was struck by a car there at some stage. For the most part, in my view, the question relates to the operation of the Children’s Crossing and Road Safety Committee and should therefore be referred to the Minister for Police and Emergency Services. That is the reason for the extraordinary brevity of my answer!
(6) If no to (5), why not? Hon SIMON O’BRIEN replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1)-(2) This relates to a question Hon Ken Travers asked some little while ago. As part of my answer at the time, I undertook to say that, if he wished, I could meet him on site to look at this issue because I was aware of correspondence about it. Indeed, I have visited the site. Hon Ken Travers never contacted me but I found myself passing through and went to look at the site. Knowing that Hon Donna Faragher was nearby in her office in Guildford, and that she had an interest in this matter, at very short notice I managed to get her to join me for a visit. We inspected the site, as one needs to with these situations, to work out exactly what was happening. The upshot of it all is that I have spoken also to the Minister for Police and Emergency Services because I think the best way to resolve this question in the short term is to bring back the crosswalk attendant. I was pleased to discover that that is precisely what has happened. The crosswalk attendant has been restored certainly until the end of this semester. That gives us some time to take stock. (3)-(4) I do not believe that the answer to this is to construct a footpath on the eastern side of the Great Eastern Highway bridge over the Helena River. I think that is the wrong solution. The fact is that people must cross Great Eastern Highway. I understand that this year about 20 schoolchildren must cross that busy road at some point, whether it be south or north of that bridge, so I do not see the point of building another very expensive footpath. I will, therefore, not commit to building a footpath on the eastern side of the highway bridge. I am concerned to work through the problem. Firstly, Hon Donna Faragher, one of the local members, is of the view, which I share, that a crosswalk attendant is the best way to deal with the issue rather than spend a six or seven figure sum for infrastructure that is not primarily needed. That is not a decision for me to make, but that is my view. (5) Hon Donna Faragher and I are of the view that the children’s crosswalk infrastructure at that intersection needs to be enhanced a bit. That is potentially within my responsibility, and I will have Main Roads look at that because it is a potentially dangerous site. I understand that an attendant was struck by a car there at some stage. For the most part, in my view, the question relates to the operation of the Children’s Crossing and Road Safety Committee and should therefore be referred to the Minister for Police and Emergency Services. That is the reason for the extraordinary brevity of my answer!
Hon SIMON O’BRIEN replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1)-(2) This relates to a question Hon Ken Travers asked some little while ago. As part of my answer at the time, I undertook to say that, if he wished, I could meet him on site to look at this issue because I was aware of correspondence about it. Indeed, I have visited the site. Hon Ken Travers never contacted me but I found myself passing through and went to look at the site. Knowing that Hon Donna Faragher was nearby in her office in Guildford, and that she had an interest in this matter, at very short notice I managed to get her to join me for a visit. We inspected the site, as one needs to with these situations, to work out exactly what was happening. The upshot of it all is that I have spoken also to the Minister for Police and Emergency Services because I think the best way to resolve this question in the short term is to bring back the crosswalk attendant. I was pleased to discover that that is precisely what has happened. The crosswalk attendant has been restored certainly until the end of this semester. That gives us some time to take stock. (3)-(4) I do not believe that the answer to this is to construct a footpath on the eastern side of the Great Eastern Highway bridge over the Helena River. I think that is the wrong solution. The fact is that people must cross Great Eastern Highway. I understand that this year about 20 schoolchildren must cross that busy road at some point, whether it be south or north of that bridge, so I do not see the point of building another very expensive footpath. I will, therefore, not commit to building a footpath on the eastern side of the highway bridge. I am concerned to work through the problem. Firstly, Hon Donna Faragher, one of the local members, is of the view, which I share, that a crosswalk attendant is the best way to deal with the issue rather than spend a six or seven figure sum for infrastructure that is not primarily needed. That is not a decision for me to make, but that is my view. (5) Hon Donna Faragher and I are of the view that the children’s crosswalk infrastructure at that intersection needs to be enhanced a bit. That is potentially within my responsibility, and I will have Main Roads look at that because it is a potentially dangerous site. I understand that an attendant was struck by a car there at some stage. For the most part, in my view, the question relates to the operation of the Children’s Crossing and Road Safety Committee and should therefore be referred to the Minister for Police and Emergency Services. That is the reason for the extraordinary brevity of my answer!
I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1)-(2) This relates to a question Hon Ken Travers asked some little while ago. As part of my answer at the time, I undertook to say that, if he wished, I could meet him on site to look at this issue because I was aware of correspondence about it. Indeed, I have visited the site. Hon Ken Travers never contacted me but I found myself passing through and went to look at the site. Knowing that Hon Donna Faragher was nearby in her office in Guildford, and that she had an interest in this matter, at very short notice I managed to get her to join me for a visit. We inspected the site, as one needs to with these situations, to work out exactly what was happening. The upshot of it all is that I have spoken also to the Minister for Police and Emergency Services because I think the best way to resolve this question in the short term is to bring back the crosswalk attendant. I was pleased to discover that that is precisely what has happened. The crosswalk attendant has been restored certainly until the end of this semester. That gives us some time to take stock. (3)-(4) I do not believe that the answer to this is to construct a footpath on the eastern side of the Great Eastern Highway bridge over the Helena River. I think that is the wrong solution. The fact is that people must cross Great Eastern Highway. I understand that this year about 20 schoolchildren must cross that busy road at some point, whether it be south or north of that bridge, so I do not see the point of building another very expensive footpath. I will, therefore, not commit to building a footpath on the eastern side of the highway bridge. I am concerned to work through the problem. Firstly, Hon Donna Faragher, one of the local members, is of the view, which I share, that a crosswalk attendant is the best way to deal with the issue rather than spend a six or seven figure sum for infrastructure that is not primarily needed. That is not a decision for me to make, but that is my view. (5) Hon Donna Faragher and I are of the view that the children’s crosswalk infrastructure at that intersection needs to be enhanced a bit. That is potentially within my responsibility, and I will have Main Roads look at that because it is a potentially dangerous site. I understand that an attendant was struck by a car there at some stage. For the most part, in my view, the question relates to the operation of the Children’s Crossing and Road Safety Committee and should therefore be referred to the Minister for Police and Emergency Services. That is the reason for the extraordinary brevity of my answer!
(1)-(2) This relates to a question Hon Ken Travers asked some little while ago. As part of my answer at the time, I undertook to say that, if he wished, I could meet him on site to look at this issue because I was aware of correspondence about it. Indeed, I have visited the site. Hon Ken Travers never contacted me but I found myself passing through and went to look at the site. Knowing that Hon Donna Faragher was nearby in her office in Guildford, and that she had an interest in this matter, at very short notice I managed to get her to join me for a visit. We inspected the site, as one needs to with these situations, to work out exactly what was happening. The upshot of it all is that I have spoken also to the Minister for Police and Emergency Services because I think the best way to resolve this question in the short term is to bring back the crosswalk attendant. I was pleased to discover that that is precisely what has happened. The crosswalk attendant has been restored certainly until the end of this semester. That gives us some time to take stock. (3)-(4) I do not believe that the answer to this is to construct a footpath on the eastern side of the Great Eastern Highway bridge over the Helena River. I think that is the wrong solution. The fact is that people must cross Great Eastern Highway. I understand that this year about 20 schoolchildren must cross that busy road at some point, whether it be south or north of that bridge, so I do not see the point of building another very expensive footpath. I will, therefore, not commit to building a footpath on the eastern side of the highway bridge. I am concerned to work through the problem. Firstly, Hon Donna Faragher, one of the local members, is of the view, which I share, that a crosswalk attendant is the best way to deal with the issue rather than spend a six or seven figure sum for infrastructure that is not primarily needed. That is not a decision for me to make, but that is my view. (5) Hon Donna Faragher and I are of the view that the children’s crosswalk infrastructure at that intersection needs to be enhanced a bit. That is potentially within my responsibility, and I will have Main Roads look at that because it is a potentially dangerous site. I understand that an attendant was struck by a car there at some stage. For the most part, in my view, the question relates to the operation of the Children’s Crossing and Road Safety Committee and should therefore be referred to the Minister for Police and Emergency Services. That is the reason for the extraordinary brevity of my answer!
(3)-(4) I do not believe that the answer to this is to construct a footpath on the eastern side of the Great Eastern Highway bridge over the Helena River. I think that is the wrong solution. The fact is that people must cross Great Eastern Highway. I understand that this year about 20 schoolchildren must cross that busy road at some point, whether it be south or north of that bridge, so I do not see the point of building another very expensive footpath. I will, therefore, not commit to building a footpath on the eastern side of the highway bridge. I am concerned to work through the problem. Firstly, Hon Donna Faragher, one of the local members, is of the view, which I share, that a crosswalk attendant is the best way to deal with the issue rather than spend a six or seven figure sum for infrastructure that is not primarily needed. That is not a decision for me to make, but that is my view. (5) Hon Donna Faragher and I are of the view that the children’s crosswalk infrastructure at that intersection needs to be enhanced a bit. That is potentially within my responsibility, and I will have Main Roads look at that because it is a potentially dangerous site. I understand that an attendant was struck by a car there at some stage. For the most part, in my view, the question relates to the operation of the Children’s Crossing and Road Safety Committee and should therefore be referred to the Minister for Police and Emergency Services. That is the reason for the extraordinary brevity of my answer!
(1) Has the minister visited the site? (2) If so, will the minister advise the house of the outcome of the site visit? (3) What is the cost and feasibility of constructing a footpath on the eastern side of the Great Eastern Highway bridge over the Helena River? (4) Will the minister commit to building a footpath on the eastern side of the Great Eastern Highway bridge over the Helena River? (5) Will the minister commit to retaining the children’s crosswalk infrastructure at this intersection? (6) If no to (5), why not? Hon SIMON O’BRIEN replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1)-(2) This relates to a question Hon Ken Travers asked some little while ago. As part of my answer at the time, I undertook to say that, if he wished, I could meet him on site to look at this issue because I was aware of correspondence about it. Indeed, I have visited the site. Hon Ken Travers never contacted me but I found myself passing through and went to look at the site. Knowing that Hon Donna Faragher was nearby in her office in Guildford, and that she had an interest in this matter, at very short notice I managed to get her to join me for a visit. We inspected the site, as one needs to with these situations, to work out exactly what was happening. The upshot of it all is that I have spoken also to the Minister for Police and Emergency Services because I think the best way to resolve this question in the short term is to bring back the crosswalk attendant. I was pleased to discover that that is precisely what has happened. The crosswalk attendant has been restored certainly until the end of this semester. That gives us some time to take stock. (3)-(4) I do not believe that the answer to this is to construct a footpath on the eastern side of the Great Eastern Highway bridge over the Helena River. I think that is the wrong solution. The fact is that people must cross Great Eastern Highway. I understand that this year about 20 schoolchildren must cross that busy road at some point, whether it be south or north of that bridge, so I do not see the point of building another very expensive footpath. I will, therefore, not commit to building a footpath on the eastern side of the highway bridge. I am concerned to work through the problem. Firstly, Hon Donna Faragher, one of the local members, is of the view, which I share, that a crosswalk attendant is the best way to deal with the issue rather than spend a six or seven figure sum for infrastructure that is not primarily needed. That is not a decision for me to make, but that is my view. (5) Hon Donna Faragher and I are of the view that the children’s crosswalk infrastructure at that intersection needs to be enhanced a bit. That is potentially within my responsibility, and I will have Main Roads look at that because it is a potentially dangerous site. I understand that an attendant was struck by a car there at some stage. For the most part, in my view, the question relates to the operation of the Children’s Crossing and Road Safety Committee and should therefore be referred to the Minister for Police and Emergency Services. That is the reason for the extraordinary brevity of my answer!
(2) If so, will the minister advise the house of the outcome of the site visit? (3) What is the cost and feasibility of constructing a footpath on the eastern side of the Great Eastern Highway bridge over the Helena River? (4) Will the minister commit to building a footpath on the eastern side of the Great Eastern Highway bridge over the Helena River? (5) Will the minister commit to retaining the children’s crosswalk infrastructure at this intersection? (6) If no to (5), why not? Hon SIMON O’BRIEN replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1)-(2) This relates to a question Hon Ken Travers asked some little while ago. As part of my answer at the time, I undertook to say that, if he wished, I could meet him on site to look at this issue because I was aware of correspondence about it. Indeed, I have visited the site. Hon Ken Travers never contacted me but I found myself passing through and went to look at the site. Knowing that Hon Donna Faragher was nearby in her office in Guildford, and that she had an interest in this matter, at very short notice I managed to get her to join me for a visit. We inspected the site, as one needs to with these situations, to work out exactly what was happening. The upshot of it all is that I have spoken also to the Minister for Police and Emergency Services because I think the best way to resolve this question in the short term is to bring back the crosswalk attendant. I was pleased to discover that that is precisely what has happened. The crosswalk attendant has been restored certainly until the end of this semester. That gives us some time to take stock. (3)-(4) I do not believe that the answer to this is to construct a footpath on the eastern side of the Great Eastern Highway bridge over the Helena River. I think that is the wrong solution. The fact is that people must cross Great Eastern Highway. I understand that this year about 20 schoolchildren must cross that busy road at some point, whether it be south or north of that bridge, so I do not see the point of building another very expensive footpath. I will, therefore, not commit to building a footpath on the eastern side of the highway bridge. I am concerned to work through the problem. Firstly, Hon Donna Faragher, one of the local members, is of the view, which I share, that a crosswalk attendant is the best way to deal with the issue rather than spend a six or seven figure sum for infrastructure that is not primarily needed. That is not a decision for me to make, but that is my view. (5) Hon Donna Faragher and I are of the view that the children’s crosswalk infrastructure at that intersection needs to be enhanced a bit. That is potentially within my responsibility, and I will have Main Roads look at that because it is a potentially dangerous site. I understand that an attendant was struck by a car there at some stage. For the most part, in my view, the question relates to the operation of the Children’s Crossing and Road Safety Committee and should therefore be referred to the Minister for Police and Emergency Services. That is the reason for the extraordinary brevity of my answer!
(3) What is the cost and feasibility of constructing a footpath on the eastern side of the Great Eastern Highway bridge over the Helena River? (4) Will the minister commit to building a footpath on the eastern side of the Great Eastern Highway bridge over the Helena River? (5) Will the minister commit to retaining the children’s crosswalk infrastructure at this intersection? (6) If no to (5), why not? Hon SIMON O’BRIEN replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1)-(2) This relates to a question Hon Ken Travers asked some little while ago. As part of my answer at the time, I undertook to say that, if he wished, I could meet him on site to look at this issue because I was aware of correspondence about it. Indeed, I have visited the site. Hon Ken Travers never contacted me but I found myself passing through and went to look at the site. Knowing that Hon Donna Faragher was nearby in her office in Guildford, and that she had an interest in this matter, at very short notice I managed to get her to join me for a visit. We inspected the site, as one needs to with these situations, to work out exactly what was happening. The upshot of it all is that I have spoken also to the Minister for Police and Emergency Services because I think the best way to resolve this question in the short term is to bring back the crosswalk attendant. I was pleased to discover that that is precisely what has happened. The crosswalk attendant has been restored certainly until the end of this semester. That gives us some time to take stock. (3)-(4) I do not believe that the answer to this is to construct a footpath on the eastern side of the Great Eastern Highway bridge over the Helena River. I think that is the wrong solution. The fact is that people must cross Great Eastern Highway. I understand that this year about 20 schoolchildren must cross that busy road at some point, whether it be south or north of that bridge, so I do not see the point of building another very expensive footpath. I will, therefore, not commit to building a footpath on the eastern side of the highway bridge. I am concerned to work through the problem. Firstly, Hon Donna Faragher, one of the local members, is of the view, which I share, that a crosswalk attendant is the best way to deal with the issue rather than spend a six or seven figure sum for infrastructure that is not primarily needed. That is not a decision for me to make, but that is my view. (5) Hon Donna Faragher and I are of the view that the children’s crosswalk infrastructure at that intersection needs to be enhanced a bit. That is potentially within my responsibility, and I will have Main Roads look at that because it is a potentially dangerous site. I understand that an attendant was struck by a car there at some stage. For the most part, in my view, the question relates to the operation of the Children’s Crossing and Road Safety Committee and should therefore be referred to the Minister for Police and Emergency Services. That is the reason for the extraordinary brevity of my answer!
(4) Will the minister commit to building a footpath on the eastern side of the Great Eastern Highway bridge over the Helena River? (5) Will the minister commit to retaining the children’s crosswalk infrastructure at this intersection? (6) If no to (5), why not? Hon SIMON O’BRIEN replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1)-(2) This relates to a question Hon Ken Travers asked some little while ago. As part of my answer at the time, I undertook to say that, if he wished, I could meet him on site to look at this issue because I was aware of correspondence about it. Indeed, I have visited the site. Hon Ken Travers never contacted me but I found myself passing through and went to look at the site. Knowing that Hon Donna Faragher was nearby in her office in Guildford, and that she had an interest in this matter, at very short notice I managed to get her to join me for a visit. We inspected the site, as one needs to with these situations, to work out exactly what was happening. The upshot of it all is that I have spoken also to the Minister for Police and Emergency Services because I think the best way to resolve this question in the short term is to bring back the crosswalk attendant. I was pleased to discover that that is precisely what has happened. The crosswalk attendant has been restored certainly until the end of this semester. That gives us some time to take stock. (3)-(4) I do not believe that the answer to this is to construct a footpath on the eastern side of the Great Eastern Highway bridge over the Helena River. I think that is the wrong solution. The fact is that people must cross Great Eastern Highway. I understand that this year about 20 schoolchildren must cross that busy road at some point, whether it be south or north of that bridge, so I do not see the point of building another very expensive footpath. I will, therefore, not commit to building a footpath on the eastern side of the highway bridge. I am concerned to work through the problem. Firstly, Hon Donna Faragher, one of the local members, is of the view, which I share, that a crosswalk attendant is the best way to deal with the issue rather than spend a six or seven figure sum for infrastructure that is not primarily needed. That is not a decision for me to make, but that is my view. (5) Hon Donna Faragher and I are of the view that the children’s crosswalk infrastructure at that intersection needs to be enhanced a bit. That is potentially within my responsibility, and I will have Main Roads look at that because it is a potentially dangerous site. I understand that an attendant was struck by a car there at some stage. For the most part, in my view, the question relates to the operation of the Children’s Crossing and Road Safety Committee and should therefore be referred to the Minister for Police and Emergency Services. That is the reason for the extraordinary brevity of my answer!
(5) Will the minister commit to retaining the children’s crosswalk infrastructure at this intersection? (6) If no to (5), why not? Hon SIMON O’BRIEN replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1)-(2) This relates to a question Hon Ken Travers asked some little while ago. As part of my answer at the time, I undertook to say that, if he wished, I could meet him on site to look at this issue because I was aware of correspondence about it. Indeed, I have visited the site. Hon Ken Travers never contacted me but I found myself passing through and went to look at the site. Knowing that Hon Donna Faragher was nearby in her office in Guildford, and that she had an interest in this matter, at very short notice I managed to get her to join me for a visit. We inspected the site, as one needs to with these situations, to work out exactly what was happening. The upshot of it all is that I have spoken also to the Minister for Police and Emergency Services because I think the best way to resolve this question in the short term is to bring back the crosswalk attendant. I was pleased to discover that that is precisely what has happened. The crosswalk attendant has been restored certainly until the end of this semester. That gives us some time to take stock. (3)-(4) I do not believe that the answer to this is to construct a footpath on the eastern side of the Great Eastern Highway bridge over the Helena River. I think that is the wrong solution. The fact is that people must cross Great Eastern Highway. I understand that this year about 20 schoolchildren must cross that busy road at some point, whether it be south or north of that bridge, so I do not see the point of building another very expensive footpath. I will, therefore, not commit to building a footpath on the eastern side of the highway bridge. I am concerned to work through the problem. Firstly, Hon Donna Faragher, one of the local members, is of the view, which I share, that a crosswalk attendant is the best way to deal with the issue rather than spend a six or seven figure sum for infrastructure that is not primarily needed. That is not a decision for me to make, but that is my view. (5) Hon Donna Faragher and I are of the view that the children’s crosswalk infrastructure at that intersection needs to be enhanced a bit. That is potentially within my responsibility, and I will have Main Roads look at that because it is a potentially dangerous site. I understand that an attendant was struck by a car there at some stage. For the most part, in my view, the question relates to the operation of the Children’s Crossing and Road Safety Committee and should therefore be referred to the Minister for Police and Emergency Services. That is the reason for the extraordinary brevity of my answer!
(6) If no to (5), why not? Hon SIMON O’BRIEN replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1)-(2) This relates to a question Hon Ken Travers asked some little while ago. As part of my answer at the time, I undertook to say that, if he wished, I could meet him on site to look at this issue because I was aware of correspondence about it. Indeed, I have visited the site. Hon Ken Travers never contacted me but I found myself passing through and went to look at the site. Knowing that Hon Donna Faragher was nearby in her office in Guildford, and that she had an interest in this matter, at very short notice I managed to get her to join me for a visit. We inspected the site, as one needs to with these situations, to work out exactly what was happening. The upshot of it all is that I have spoken also to the Minister for Police and Emergency Services because I think the best way to resolve this question in the short term is to bring back the crosswalk attendant. I was pleased to discover that that is precisely what has happened. The crosswalk attendant has been restored certainly until the end of this semester. That gives us some time to take stock. (3)-(4) I do not believe that the answer to this is to construct a footpath on the eastern side of the Great Eastern Highway bridge over the Helena River. I think that is the wrong solution. The fact is that people must cross Great Eastern Highway. I understand that this year about 20 schoolchildren must cross that busy road at some point, whether it be south or north of that bridge, so I do not see the point of building another very expensive footpath. I will, therefore, not commit to building a footpath on the eastern side of the highway bridge. I am concerned to work through the problem. Firstly, Hon Donna Faragher, one of the local members, is of the view, which I share, that a crosswalk attendant is the best way to deal with the issue rather than spend a six or seven figure sum for infrastructure that is not primarily needed. That is not a decision for me to make, but that is my view. (5) Hon Donna Faragher and I are of the view that the children’s crosswalk infrastructure at that intersection needs to be enhanced a bit. That is potentially within my responsibility, and I will have Main Roads look at that because it is a potentially dangerous site. I understand that an attendant was struck by a car there at some stage. For the most part, in my view, the question relates to the operation of the Children’s Crossing and Road Safety Committee and should therefore be referred to the Minister for Police and Emergency Services. That is the reason for the extraordinary brevity of my answer!
Hon SIMON O’BRIEN replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1)-(2) This relates to a question Hon Ken Travers asked some little while ago. As part of my answer at the time, I undertook to say that, if he wished, I could meet him on site to look at this issue because I was aware of correspondence about it. Indeed, I have visited the site. Hon Ken Travers never contacted me but I found myself passing through and went to look at the site. Knowing that Hon Donna Faragher was nearby in her office in Guildford, and that she had an interest in this matter, at very short notice I managed to get her to join me for a visit. We inspected the site, as one needs to with these situations, to work out exactly what was happening. The upshot of it all is that I have spoken also to the Minister for Police and Emergency Services because I think the best way to resolve this question in the short term is to bring back the crosswalk attendant. I was pleased to discover that that is precisely what has happened. The crosswalk attendant has been restored certainly until the end of this semester. That gives us some time to take stock. (3)-(4) I do not believe that the answer to this is to construct a footpath on the eastern side of the Great Eastern Highway bridge over the Helena River. I think that is the wrong solution. The fact is that people must cross Great Eastern Highway. I understand that this year about 20 schoolchildren must cross that busy road at some point, whether it be south or north of that bridge, so I do not see the point of building another very expensive footpath. I will, therefore, not commit to building a footpath on the eastern side of the highway bridge. I am concerned to work through the problem. Firstly, Hon Donna Faragher, one of the local members, is of the view, which I share, that a crosswalk attendant is the best way to deal with the issue rather than spend a six or seven figure sum for infrastructure that is not primarily needed. That is not a decision for me to make, but that is my view. (5) Hon Donna Faragher and I are of the view that the children’s crosswalk infrastructure at that intersection needs to be enhanced a bit. That is potentially within my responsibility, and I will have Main Roads look at that because it is a potentially dangerous site. I understand that an attendant was struck by a car there at some stage. For the most part, in my view, the question relates to the operation of the Children’s Crossing and Road Safety Committee and should therefore be referred to the Minister for Police and Emergency Services. That is the reason for the extraordinary brevity of my answer!
I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1)-(2) This relates to a question Hon Ken Travers asked some little while ago. As part of my answer at the time, I undertook to say that, if he wished, I could meet him on site to look at this issue because I was aware of correspondence about it. Indeed, I have visited the site. Hon Ken Travers never contacted me but I found myself passing through and went to look at the site. Knowing that Hon Donna Faragher was nearby in her office in Guildford, and that she had an interest in this matter, at very short notice I managed to get her to join me for a visit. We inspected the site, as one needs to with these situations, to work out exactly what was happening. The upshot of it all is that I have spoken also to the Minister for Police and Emergency Services because I think the best way to resolve this question in the short term is to bring back the crosswalk attendant. I was pleased to discover that that is precisely what has happened. The crosswalk attendant has been restored certainly until the end of this semester. That gives us some time to take stock. (3)-(4) I do not believe that the answer to this is to construct a footpath on the eastern side of the Great Eastern Highway bridge over the Helena River. I think that is the wrong solution. The fact is that people must cross Great Eastern Highway. I understand that this year about 20 schoolchildren must cross that busy road at some point, whether it be south or north of that bridge, so I do not see the point of building another very expensive footpath. I will, therefore, not commit to building a footpath on the eastern side of the highway bridge. I am concerned to work through the problem. Firstly, Hon Donna Faragher, one of the local members, is of the view, which I share, that a crosswalk attendant is the best way to deal with the issue rather than spend a six or seven figure sum for infrastructure that is not primarily needed. That is not a decision for me to make, but that is my view. (5) Hon Donna Faragher and I are of the view that the children’s crosswalk infrastructure at that intersection needs to be enhanced a bit. That is potentially within my responsibility, and I will have Main Roads look at that because it is a potentially dangerous site. I understand that an attendant was struck by a car there at some stage. For the most part, in my view, the question relates to the operation of the Children’s Crossing and Road Safety Committee and should therefore be referred to the Minister for Police and Emergency Services. That is the reason for the extraordinary brevity of my answer!
(1)-(2) This relates to a question Hon Ken Travers asked some little while ago. As part of my answer at the time, I undertook to say that, if he wished, I could meet him on site to look at this issue because I was aware of correspondence about it. Indeed, I have visited the site. Hon Ken Travers never contacted me but I found myself passing through and went to look at the site. Knowing that Hon Donna Faragher was nearby in her office in Guildford, and that she had an interest in this matter, at very short notice I managed to get her to join me for a visit. We inspected the site, as one needs to with these situations, to work out exactly what was happening. The upshot of it all is that I have spoken also to the Minister for Police and Emergency Services because I think the best way to resolve this question in the short term is to bring back the crosswalk attendant. I was pleased to discover that that is precisely what has happened. The crosswalk attendant has been restored certainly until the end of this semester. That gives us some time to take stock. (3)-(4) I do not believe that the answer to this is to construct a footpath on the eastern side of the Great Eastern Highway bridge over the Helena River. I think that is the wrong solution. The fact is that people must cross Great Eastern Highway. I understand that this year about 20 schoolchildren must cross that busy road at some point, whether it be south or north of that bridge, so I do not see the point of building another very expensive footpath. I will, therefore, not commit to building a footpath on the eastern side of the highway bridge. I am concerned to work through the problem. Firstly, Hon Donna Faragher, one of the local members, is of the view, which I share, that a crosswalk attendant is the best way to deal with the issue rather than spend a six or seven figure sum for infrastructure that is not primarily needed. That is not a decision for me to make, but that is my view. (5) Hon Donna Faragher and I are of the view that the children’s crosswalk infrastructure at that intersection needs to be enhanced a bit. That is potentially within my responsibility, and I will have Main Roads look at that because it is a potentially dangerous site. I understand that an attendant was struck by a car there at some stage. For the most part, in my view, the question relates to the operation of the Children’s Crossing and Road Safety Committee and should therefore be referred to the Minister for Police and Emergency Services. That is the reason for the extraordinary brevity of my answer!
(3)-(4) I do not believe that the answer to this is to construct a footpath on the eastern side of the Great Eastern Highway bridge over the Helena River. I think that is the wrong solution. The fact is that people must cross Great Eastern Highway. I understand that this year about 20 schoolchildren must cross that busy road at some point, whether it be south or north of that bridge, so I do not see the point of building another very expensive footpath. I will, therefore, not commit to building a footpath on the eastern side of the highway bridge. I am concerned to work through the problem. Firstly, Hon Donna Faragher, one of the local members, is of the view, which I share, that a crosswalk attendant is the best way to deal with the issue rather than spend a six or seven figure sum for infrastructure that is not primarily needed. That is not a decision for me to make, but that is my view. (5) Hon Donna Faragher and I are of the view that the children’s crosswalk infrastructure at that intersection needs to be enhanced a bit. That is potentially within my responsibility, and I will have Main Roads look at that because it is a potentially dangerous site. I understand that an attendant was struck by a car there at some stage. For the most part, in my view, the question relates to the operation of the Children’s Crossing and Road Safety Committee and should therefore be referred to the Minister for Police and Emergency Services. That is the reason for the extraordinary brevity of my answer!
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